Target launching machine

ABSTRACT

Machine for launching targets ( 6 ) comprising means for storage of targets, means for delivering a target ( 6 ) from the storage means to the delivery area ( 13 ), launch area ( 16 ) remote from the delivery area ( 13 ) and connected to the delivery area ( 13 ) by a transfer ramp ( 12 ), a launch arm able to apply a launch force on a target ( 6 ) in the launch area ( 16 ), characterised in that it comprises means for inclining the transfer ramp ( 12 ). 
     The invention is particularly suitable for use in launching targets for archery or clay pigeon shooting.

This invention relates to a machine for launching targets and is particularly suitable for use in launching targets for archery or clay pigeon shooting.

For this type of target a number of techniques are known for loading a target in a launch area and performing the launch by means of a launch arm. A special technique is described in the publication FR-A1-2 744 210 which describes a machine for launching targets of the clay pigeon type substantially at ground level for rabbit shooting practice. This machine has a target storage area consisting of a rotary cylinder with multiple columns for receiving and stacking targets and a system for delivery of targets from the cylinder. According to this publication, an inclined ramp ensures the transfer of the target thus delivered in the direction of an area where it is launched by a armed launch arm previously made ready to launch.

In other machines, and this is the most widespread, the area where launching takes place by the arm is positioned immediately below the area where the target is delivered from the cylinder.

A disadvantage of the techniques known so far is the risk of a target jamming during its transfer in the direction of the launch zone.

There is therefore a need to improve the transfer of the target.

The present invention comes within the scope of a solution to this problem and describes, for this purpose, a machine for launching targets comprising means for storing the targets, means for delivery of a target from the storage means to the delivery area, a launch area remote from the delivery area and connected to the delivery area by a transfer ramp, a launch arm able to apply a launch force to a target in the launch area.

According to the invention, the machine comprises means for inclining the transfer ramp.

Thus, the configuration of the transfer ramp can be changed according to the machine's operation phases. In particular, the target's rate of descent under the force of gravity can be controlled through the angle of inclination and moreover the target can be loaded at the delivery area situated upstream of the launch area according to the direction of transfer. Therefore, the delivery of the target does not interfere with the trajectory of the launch arm so that the risk of the target jamming are limited and do not result in the arm jamming.

Below are different but not limiting advantageous embodiments that it can be used alternatively or in combination in the scope of the invention:

-   -   the inclination means are configured so that the transfer ramp         can pass from a first position corresponding to a phase of         target delivery to a second position corresponding to a target         launching phase,     -   the transfer ramp is less inclined relative to the horizontal in         the first position compared to the second position,     -   the first position is horizontal,     -   the second portion is inclined at an angle of between 70° and         90° relative to the horizontal,     -   the inclination means are coupled to the launch arm arming         means,     -   the storage means comprise a cylinder provided with at least one         column for storing stacked targets, the cylinder having means         for rotating around an axis parallel to the longitudinally axis         of the storage columns,     -   the inclination means are coupled to the drive means,     -   a base that can be stood on a supporting surface and a chassis         supporting the transfer ramp, the storage means, the delivery         area, the launch area and the launch arm, the means for         inclination being formed between the base and the chassis,     -   the transfer ramp comprises a surface on which bears one face of         a cylindrical target, this surface being formed of contact         points that are not continuous with the target.

The invention also relates to a method for launching a target comprising the following phases:

-   -   delivery of the target from the target storage means at the         level of a delivery area;     -   transfer of the target via a transfer ramp between the delivery         area and the launch area;     -   launching of the target positioned in the launch area by the         application of a launch force by the launch arm, characterised         in that between the target delivery phase and the target launch         phase the inclination of the transfer ramp is changed.

According to one possibility, the procedure is such that the inclination of the transfer ramp is changed so as to give it greater inclination relative to the horizontal after the delivery phase.

The accompanying drawings are given as examples and are not restrictive. They show only one embodiment of the invention and will enable it to be easily understood.

FIGS. 1 to 5 show schematically different configurations adopted by the machine during its launch phase in order to help understand it.

More especially, FIG. 1 shows a phase of delivering the target from the storage means.

FIG. 2 shows a later stage.

FIG. 3 shows the machine in a configuration such that the target is received at the level of a delivery area.

FIG. 4 shows a transfer of the target.

FIG. 5 shows the arrival of the target at a launch area where it can be launched by a launch arm.

FIG. 6 shows a non-restrictive method of structurally constructing the machine.

Although this example is not restrictive, the machine according to the invention is particularly suitable for use with six substantially cylindrical and flat targets. This may consist of targets commonly known as clay pigeons or, preferably, a “plate” type target of substantially flattened cylindrical shape made of plastic and more particularly polymer foam in one or several layers.

To this end, the invention applies to targets for archery shooting. The target 6 may be a cylindrical part measuring about 15 to 400 mm in diameter and from 30 the 150 mm thick, and more preferably for competition purposes, 245 mm diameter and 50 mm thick and made of polymer foam. Optionally, the target 6 may consist of a sandwich of several layers of polymer foam, in particular with a core layer that is harder than the two layers positioned laterally on either side of the core layer. The core layer is preferably between 20 and 90 mm thick, and especially around 30 mm. As to the outer layers, a thickness of around 7 mm to 20 mm and especially 10 mm is particularly effective.

It will be noted, concerning the use of polymer foam targets, that the plate may be larger than the conventional clay pigeons. Moreover, although the clay pigeons may be broken by the arm when they are jammed in an incorrect position, the polymer foam targets cannot be removed by breaking and this may lead to jamming of the machine, particularly when the arm interferes with the target and the latter is not in a position to be launched, and in particular is blocked during its movement in the direction of the launch area.

The invention has means for loading the target at an offset area relative to the area of action of the launch arm and the means for transferring the target 6 in the direction of the launch area.

Below is described in greater detail a possible embodiment of the machine making reference to the various figures.

Schematically, FIGS. 1 to 5 show the formation of target storage means in the form of a cylinder 4 equipped with multiple columns 5 for storing the targets 6 by stacking them. Each column 5 is capable of receiving the targets 6 in a stacked manner. The cylinder 4 shown is also rotationally movable with an axis corresponding to the longitudinally axis of the storage columns 5.

Reference may be made to currently known delivery means for discharging a target 6 from the cylinder 4. In general, the rotation of the cylinder 4 places one of these columns 5 opposite an area at the level of which the delivery means can release the target positioned lowest in column 5 in question so as to send it to a lower plane 15, identified in FIG. 1 in particular. Advantageously, the means are provided to ensure that the other targets are retained in column 5 during delivery.

FIG. 1 shows a particular example in which the target 6 is displaced outwards from the cylinder 4 after exiting the column 5.

The invention also includes a delivery area 13 at the level of which a target 6 can be received after exiting the cylinder 4.

In the illustrated example, the delivery area 13 is formed on a surface common with the surface of a transfer ramp 12 so that the target 6 can be brought towards the launch area 16, seen more clearly and referenced on FIG. 5. It is to be noted that the delivery area 13, the launch area 16 and the transfer ramp 12 may consist of several parts. In the example shown, it is formed from a single sheet of metal.

Advantageously, the delivery area 13 and/or the transfer ramp 12 and/or the launch area 16 is located close to a rim 14 located opposite the edge of the target 6. The delivery area 13, the transfer pump 12, and the launch area 16 apply relative to one of the side faces of the target 6.

Although not shown, the machine according to the invention comprises a launch arm that could interfere with the position of the target 6 when this is located in the launch area 16. A known technique used in the context of the present invention is to create a launch arm that is able to rotate and is set ready for launching by means of a spring tensioned by a motor. More specifically, once the spring has been tension by the motor, its release is controlled so as to generate sharp angular rotation of the arm that exerts a pushing force on the target 6. Advantageously, the axis of rotation of the arm is substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the cylinder 4.

To improve the phase of loading the target 6 in the launch area 16, the target 6 is first received in a delivery area 13 upstream of the launch area 16, then transferred to said launch area 16 via the transfer ramp 12.

During this transfer, the inclination of the transfer ramp 12 is changed.

To do this, the machine comprises means for inclining the transfer ramp 12 configured so as to change its angular position relative to the horizontal.

In the example shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the machine has a base 1 that can be stood on a surface, in particular on the ground, and is equipped with a hinging device defining an axis 7 of inclination relative to which is mounted a chassis 3 schematically shown in the example in FIGS. 1 to 5 in the form of a structure supporting the transfer ramp 12 of the delivery area 13 and the launch area 16, together with the cylinder 4 and, preferably, the launch arm that is not shown. It will be easily understood that changing the angular position of the chassis 3 relative to the base 1 compared with the axis of inclination 7 can be used to change the inclination of the transfer ramp 12.

FIG. 6 shows a structural embodiment of the means of inclination, still in the context of a modification of the inclination between a base 1 and a chassis 3. In this figure, link 8 is driven in rotation (by means not shown) and drives a rod 9, hinged at one of its ends by a hinge 11 on the link 8 and, at its other end by a hinge 10 on the base 1. It will be understood that rotation of the link 8 leads to the inclination of the entire chassis 3.

In order to limit the number of actuating means, and to synchronise the movement of the various parts of the machine, it is advantageous to couple the movements of the means of inclination (in particular the rotation of the link 8 in the example on FIG. 6), the rotational movement of the cylinder 4 and the tensioning movement of the launch arm. This will enable a single motor drive system to be used for all these movements. It will provide the means for transmitting power and adapting the resulting kinematic.

In a preferred embodiment, the surfaces of the machine on which one of the sides of the target 6 may bear is designed to limit its adherence. This may be the surface of the delivery area 13, the surface of the transfer ramp 12 and the surface of the launch area 16. Advantageously, the parts receiving the edge of the target 6, and especially the rim 14, do not include means for limiting the adherence given that the contact concerns a smaller area and that, moreover, it may be advantageous for the target 6 to execute a rotational movement along the rim 14. It will be noted that the rim 14 is shown with a substantially convex curve so as to constitute a guiding surface for the target 6 that would bring it into the offset lateral position between the delivery area 13 and the launch area 16.

In an advantageous arrangement, all or part of the surfaces that come into contact with the sides of the target 6 (that is to say its circular sidewalls in the case of a flattened cylindrical target) have means for reducing the adherence and friction of the target 6. The surfaces involved are in particular the surfaces involved in the movement of the target 6 from the cylinder 4 or the lateral retaining surfaces of the target 6 at the level of the area from which it is launched by the launch arm. Note that by reducing the contact between the target 6 and the machine at this point, the forces resisting the push force of the arm and eventually the self-rotation of the target 6 are reduced.

The means for reducing the adherence or the friction take the form of discontinuous points of contact between the target 6 and the surface of the machine in question.

By way of a preferred example, a checkered surfaces on which the intercell peaks constitute the points of contact with the target 6 give satisfaction. Alternatively, rounded or conical protuberances may be used. More generally, all the reliefs formed so as to reduce the contact area between the target 6 come within the scope of this invention.

Another embodiment consists in cutting perforations on the surface in contact with the target 6. These perforations may be cut out or areas executed the contact has to be limited in the form of wires, notably steel wire, that can be mechanically welded to create lines of contact with the target 6.

A more detailed description of the operation of the invention is given below, especially the sequencing of the phases from the delivery of a target up to its launch.

Referring to FIG. 1, it will be seen that the chassis 3 of the machine is in a position that is relatively inclined relative to the horizontal and the cylinder 4 is subjected to a rotational movement, in this case in an anticlockwise direction, so as to cause, in association with the means of delivery, a target 6 to exit from one of the columns 5 of the cylinder 4. At this level, the target 6 is received on a lower plane located below the lower area of the cylinder 4. In the example shown, the means coupled to the rotation of the cylinder 4 are able to offset the target 6 towards the outside of the cylinder 4 and its advanced towards the delivery area 13.

During this movement, the target 6 reaches the position shown in FIG. 2, at which the target 6 crosses the rim 14.

When it reaches the end of its travel, the target 6 falls by gravity onto the surface as is the case shown on FIG. 3. It will be noted that between the positions on FIG. 1 and FIG. 3, passing through FIG. 2, the inclination of the chassis 3 has been changed. In particular, the transfer ramp 12 has a considerable inclination relative to the horizontal as shown in FIG. 1 where it is at an angle substantially between 70° and 90°. It reaches a horizontal or substantially horizontal position in FIG. 3. Thus, when the target 6 reaches the delivery area 13, the assembly is only slightly inclined and prevents unwanted movements of the target 6.

From this first inclination, preferably minimal, the position of the transfer ramp 12 is then progressively modified in position in order to increase its inclination relative to the horizontal. This is illustrated on FIG. 4 in which the target 6 begins a transfer in the direction of the launch area 16. Using the inclination created, the target 6 descends along the transfer ramp 12 that acts as a slide. In addition, the rim 14 enables guidance and maintaining in a lateral position. FIG. 5 shows a final position of the target 6 at the level of a launch area 16, the machine having been greatly incline. At this stage, the edge bears more strongly on the rim 14. A stop, not shown, is used to stop the target at this stage until launched by the arm.

In this position, the target 6 may be driven by the launch arm.

In a preferred embodiment, the movement described above is cyclical, that is to say the rotation is continuous from the phase of FIG. 1 up to the phase of FIG. 5, this movement being preferably coupled to that of the cylinder 4.

Moreover, after the target 6 has been launched, the movement restarts in the reverse direction in order to return to a substantially horizontal position and repeat a new cycle of target loading. It is easily understood that, although the rotation of the cylinder 4 takes place in a single direction of rotation, the movement of inclination of the chassis 3 (and more generally of the transfer ramp 12) takes place alternately from a substantially horizontal position towards a more inclined position and, conversely, from the more inclined position to a substantially horizontal position.

REFERENCES

-   1. Base -   2. Wheel -   3. Chassis -   4. Cylinder -   5. Column -   6. Target -   7. Axis of inclination -   8. Connecting link -   9. Rod -   10. Hinging device -   11. Hinging device -   12. Transfer ramp -   13. Delivery area -   14. Rim -   15. Lower plane -   16. Launch area 

1. A target launching machine comprising: target storage means; means for delivering a target from the target storage means to a delivery area; and a launch arm adapted to apply a force on the target located in a launch area, wherein the launch area is connected to the delivery area by a transfer ramp.
 2. The target launching machine of claim 1, further comprising an inclination means configured so that the transfer ramp can pass from a first position corresponding to a target delivery phase to a second position corresponding to a target launching phase.
 3. The target launching machine of claim 2, wherein the transfer ramp is less inclined relative to the horizontal of the first position compared to the second position.
 4. The target launching machine of claim 3, wherein the first position is horizontal.
 5. The target launching machine of claim 4, wherein the second portion is inclined at an angle of between 70° and 90° relative to the horizontal. 6-9. (canceled)
 10. A method for launching a target comprising: delivery of the target from a target storage means to a level of a delivery area; transfer of the target via a transfer ramp between the delivery area and a launch area; and launching of the target situated in the launch area by the application of a launch force by a launch arm, wherein, between the target delivery phase and the target launch phase, inclination of the transfer ramp is changed.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the inclination of the transfer ramp is changed to provide greater inclination relative to the horizontal after the delivery phase. 